Abstract
This study investigated body image issues and the usefulness of self-reported measurements among Hmong American children, 9-18 years using mixed methodology. Twelve focus groups were conducted (n=68) and a silhouette drawing instrument and six questions pertaining to body image were administered (n=335). About 50% of the children were either overweight or obese and 23% were short statured relative to US norms. About 70% of the girls and 53% of the boys selected smaller body ideals than their perceived body sizes. Further, 21% of the girls and 31% of the boys were satisfied with their bodies. Children underestimated their weights and overestimated their heights. During focus groups children reported that parents, peers, and media influenced their body image perceptions. Our results indicate that the majority of Hmong children are dissatisfied with their bodies and tend to endorse American ideals of beauty and attractiveness rather than the heavier, traditional Hmong body ideals supported by their parents.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 341-348 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Body Image |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Sep 2010 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:The authors would like to thank the children and their parents for participating in this project. We would also like to thank Hmong community leaders and staff at the schools, community centers, and churches for their support of this project. We heartedly thank Lisa Franzen-Castle for her wonderful assistance throughout this project. This research was funded by the Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Minnesota
Keywords
- Asian Americans
- Body dissatisfaction
- Body image
- Hmong children
- Mixed methodology
- Self-reported measurements